Ryder Cup qualifying format reamins unchanged

The qualifying format for the 2008 European Ryder Cup team will be unchanged for the defence of the trophy in Louisville, Kentucky.

"There is a well-used expression, 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it', and I feel it applies in this instance," captain Nick Faldo said in a news release on Friday.

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The United States, desperate to avoid a fourth successive defeat at Valhalla Golf Club, have revamped their qualifying system by doubling the amount of wildcard picks from two to four for skipper Paul Azinger.

Five European players will again qualify through the Ryder Cup world points list, based on world ranking points earned over a 12-month spell starting at the European Masters in September.

Another five players earn places through the European points list based on money won in order of merit events.

Faldo completes his 12-man line-up by choosing two wildcard picks after the final counting event, the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

The 2008 Ryder Cup will be played from Sept. 19-21.